The tech age has its pros and cons, that is for sure. But usually, the pros outweigh the cons, especially with all the nifty apps that one can download that is geared towards making our lives a little bit easier. Whether you use an app to see what the weather is going to do or […]

Those of you who are professional truck drivers (or even those just starting out) looking to join a new company in 2018, for whatever reason, you are in luck. We have found the best there is and working for any one of them will give you a bit of a boost in the new year. […]

If you are starting out your career as a truck driver, and find yourself up in arms as to how you can advance in your career, you are not alone. Even those who are thinking about starting out a career as a professional truck driver might have their doubts with regard to the possibilities of […]

The freight transportation business is not for all, but, having said that, it is possible to have staff working for the same freight transportation company for multiple years, if they are well taken care of. Truck drivers are very important to the success of any freight transportation business, and one could even go so far […]

If you are considering to become a truck driver, it is best to do some research about the trade and industry beforehand. As you can imagine, being a truck driver requires a lot of compromise, stamina, and perseverance. You will be spending a lot of time away from home, depending on the type of job […]

If you are starting out your career as a truck driver, and find yourself up in arms as to how you can advance in your career, you are not alone. Even those who are thinking about starting out a career as a professional truck driver might have their doubts with regard to the possibilities of […]

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Top 10 Trucking Apps for Truck Drivers on the go That Will Make You Feel Happy and Healthy

The tech age has its pros and cons, that is for sure. But usually, the pros outweigh the cons, especially with all the nifty apps that one can download that is geared towards making our lives a little bit easier. Whether you use an app to see what the weather is going to do or to keep updated with regards to the traffic you can expect while on the road, you will be amazed at what can be accomplished when using one of the many apps available to download.

In this article, we take a look at the top 10 apps that can be used by truck drivers to make their lives a whole lot easier.

Once you start using KeepTruckin, you would not be able to look back or even imagine what your life was like without it. Easily keep track of all the latest developments concerning government requirements for driving times, stay on schedule by tracking your progress and miles driven, and ensure you get the delivery at dispatch on time, all with this one powerful app. The app can be used by truck drivers and fleet managers and eases the whole workflow.

This app is specifically directed at truck drivers leading very busy lives on the road. Find the nearest clinics and health stations while on the road and in need of medical attention, or use the app’s built-in pedometer. This app is fantastic to ensure that your health is taken care of while you are taking care of business as usual.

This is probably the best weather app you will ever download – even better than your device’s built-in weather app. Keep up-to-date with all the forecasts, in as much detail and with absolute accuracy you can imagine. Be in the know of what the weather will do for the next 7 days, and plan your route accordingly, or get notifications of severe weather heading your way. The app is even able to indicate the snow depth – a nifty feature for truck drivers specifically.

Set realistic goals and stick to it with this fun and handy weight loss app that is geared to get you fit and healthy while on the job. The app is set up in such a way that you can log your meals and it will calculate your daily calorie intake, alarming you when you have reached your limit and when you should put some extra effort into exercising. Staying healthy and fit is key to being a successful and happy truck driver.

This handy app is a definite must for the gas-smart truck driver, looking for the best gas stops in the area they are passing through. The app is updated regularly (by fellow road users) with all the latest gas prices, so not only will you be able to find the best gas stops, you will also be able to choose the ones with the lowest gas prices. If you use Gas Buddy to upload gas prices at your stops, you are also able to win free gas.

If you are a truck driver who has diabetes, this is a fantastic app that you should definitely start using straight away. We know how difficult it is to resist all the sweet and greasy treats while you are on the road, and keeping a watchful eye on your sugar levels could be cumbersome. Glooko will take care of that for you. Feed your sugar readings into the app, and it will notify you if there are spikes or lows and just like that, you are able to manage your glucose levels. The app also sends reports through to your doctor.

If you haven’t got Waze installed on your device, maybe it’s time you try it out! This fantastic app allows you to gain insights as to what exactly the traffic is doing, real-time. You are able to find alternative routes, should the app indicate that there is a major traffic jam ahead, accidents being cleared up, or even heavy weather conditions.

Having a great workout regime is important when you spend hours behind the wheel, especially to keep your mind and body sharp and happy. With Fitness Buddy, you are able to access thousands of different exercises, compile your own routine by selecting the ones you love, and track your progress as you keep at it while on the job. This is a definite must if you take workouts seriously.

This is probably the most popular truck driver app on the market, and we can definitely see why. Think of it as your best friend while on the road and on the job – it conveniently holds hands-down all the important information you will need, simply with the tap of a finger. Whether you need information on the next nearer fuel stop, predicted weather conditions, gas prices or even weigh stations, Trucker Path Pro has got you covered, bro.

When you are out on a job, the easiest thing to indulge in is fast foods, right? It really is convenient to simply place an order and have a delicious humongous burger standing right in front of you within a couple of minutes, and you just sit and eat. This, of course, can be very bad for your health, if all you eat is fast foods and takeaways while on the job. Calorie Counter will help you make healthier decisions and has an extensive database with information on the calories at the majority of truck stops and restaurants in the states.

Your life is sure to become a whole lot easier when you download any of the apps we discussed here on your Android or iOS device. Remember that it is against the law to be on your phone while driving, so make sure you check on notifications when the truck is at a complete stop.

An Insightful Review of the Top Ten Trucking Companies Every Truck Driver Should Consider Working for in 2018

Those of you who are professional truck drivers (or even those just starting out) looking to join a new company in 2018, for whatever reason, you are in luck. We have found the best there is and working for any one of them will give you a bit of a boost in the new year. The freight transportation industry can be tough, especially if you are a truck driver who has to work extra hard to bring home the bacon. Working for one of the best companies in the industry could be the little boost you just need for growing in your career or adding to your resume.

Are you ready to read all about the best companies you could join as a professional OTR or CDL truck driver? Let’s get started.

The company was founded in 1986 by Max Fuller and has gone from strength to strength ever since. The company culture focuses on growth and actualization while maintaining a family-feel and healthy relationships, taking care of the team behind it all. When you decide to join U.S. Xpress, you will be able to advance in your career as a truck driver, as this is encouraged throughout the company. There are plenty of opportunities here, be sure to keep your eyes open for any new positions.

With more than 100 years of experience in the freight transportation industry, Quality Distribution Inc. is definitely a viable career option for any truck driver looking to advance in their career. Drivers are paid handsomely and you can expect to enjoy multiple benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid leave, life insurance and paid holidays to name a few. Bookmark their site if you want to have easy access to the job openings they have available.

Melton Truck Lines is yet another established freight transportation company that takes pride in their work and their workforce. The company’s website also functions as a portal for those looking to join the team and you can easily complete application forms online. Founded in 1954, the fleet is currently 1,500 strong and growing. When joining, drivers can expect a lot of benefits as the company aims to keep their hard-working employees happy and healthy. You will even be able to be trained in-house and sharpen your skills as you grow with the company.

The company boasts a fleet of 500 and workforce of 800 and is still growing. As the major feed transportation company in the States, they take pride in ‘feeding America’. Drivers from all walks of life are welcome to join their team, so if you have at least one year’s experience on the road with a legitimate CDL-A license, you have to keep your eye out for job opportunities here. As the fleet services the whole of the country, you are also able to work locally, regionally or stick to dedicated routes.

Gardner Trucking might seem like a new kid on the block, with a short company history of 30 years, but it is still one of the best in the country any truck driver would want to join. The company puts safety first to ensure all aspects of the process runs smoothly and without any near-misses. You are able to apply for positions straight from their site and will be joining forces with a fantastic team who take pride in what they do and treat each other like family.

Don’t be put off by the look of their dated website – this freight transportation giant has been in the transportation business since 1925, and has the experience to back the multiple awards they have won over the past couple of years. At the forefront when it comes to implementing the latest logistics technology and being crowned one of the safest freight transportation companies, any truck driver would be proud to become a team member at Central Freight Lines.

Established in 1955, AAA Cooper Transport is another big name in the freight transportation industry that many truck drivers seek to join. With a sizeable fleet and many employee benefits, you really wouldn’t want anything else when joining a new freight transportation company. AAA Cooper Transport offers employees health insurance, health programs such as smoking cessation, life insurance,and sick pay, just to name a few. Join a green team who cares about the environment and their employees in 2018.

When joining USA truck, you will be very pleased to learn that they are a top pay carrier in the USA, which means you will be enjoying all sorts of employee benefits including health insurance, retirement benefits, and career stability which means you are guaranteed of your job. Truck drivers driving USA Truck are also fortunate enough to be able to be home every week. If you value time with your loved ones, you should definitely keep an eye out for career possibilities here.

Covenant Transport is another big name you would want to join as a truck driver this year. The company boasts many awards and offers fantastic benefits and rewards to their dedicated truck drivers. Easily apply online, and become part of the successful Covenant team. One of the benefits to those in need of financial assistance to get their CDL license is the fact that Covenant is willing to pay your tuition and you can work it off while earning your way.

Maybe not one of the hot shots, but Marten Transport has earned its way in the big names of freight transportation over the past couple of decades. The company was established in 1946, and has grown into the successful freight transportation servicing the nation it is today. Listed as a top pay carrier, which means truck drivers are paid some of the best rates in the country. Drivers are also acknowledged on their website, which means if you become part of the Marten team, you will definitely feel appreciated.

Are you ready to jump in and make a move to a bigger and better freight transportation company in 2018? Be sure to shop around and have identified goals of what you wish to achieve and why you think joining the company would be a great fit for both you and the company. We hope you have found our list helpful and that you will have a prosperous 2018.

The Top Ten Reasons Why Professional Truck Drivers Resign

The freight transportation business is not for all, but, having said that, it is possible to have staff working for the same freight transportation company for multiple years, if they are well taken care of. Truck drivers are very important to the success of any freight transportation business, and one could even go so far as to say that they are the heart and soul of freight transportation companies. Without truck drivers who diligently deliver cargo, the population would not have food on their tables, furniture in their homes, or appliances to make their lives easier.

If you are dealing with recruitment for freight transportation companies, you should know that keeping the truck drivers happy and retaining them is key to a successful freight transportation company. In this article, we discuss the main reasons why truck drivers leave their jobs.

#1 Not Being Paid Enough

According to statistics, the majority of truck drivers list not being paid enough as the main reason for resigning. In order to avoid this from happening, make sure the company is meeting the needs of truck drivers and that they are rewarded and acknowledged for the job that they are doing. Being away from home for long periods of time and not being compensated accordingly can be cause for unhappiness and frustration with the job. Recruiters and company owners can consider bumping up the paycheck and adding some benefits like health insurance.

#2 Not Happy with Dispatching Process

A lot of drivers are not paid for time spent at dispatch stations and feel that those working in dispatch do not pull their weight and helping with loading and unloading, prolonging the process and costing them more time and less money at the end of the day. Those in fleet management and dispatch should aim to work as a team together with truck drivers to ensure that processes run smoothly and is structured in a way that suits all parties involved. After all, there is no ‘I’ in theteam.

#3 Bumping Heads with Fleet Managers

As you can imagine, when there is friction at work, anyone would start feeling frustrated and look at other greener pastures. In most cases, at freight transportation companies the friction can be between truck drivers and fleet managers. Since both roles are very different, it takes two completely opposite personalities, and this can cause some friction. But how to effectively approach this, you may ask. Since it is difficult to manage different personalities, it is important to ensure that everyone is on the same level and that those hired aim to keep things professional and work towards a common goal of getting the job done the best way they can. Fleet managers should also treat drivers with respect and vice versa.

#4 Not Getting Quality Time at Home Often Enough

Even though this kind of goes with the job description, truck drivers are entitled to a certain amount of home time, and if they feel that they are not getting enough time off to spend with loved ones, they might look at other career or job options. A way to solve the issue could be to implement a more structured schedule for drivers so that they can plan their time at home and know when they will be off. Dividing off time fairly between drivers is key here, as you cannot expect one truck driver to be on call permanently while others get time off.

#5 There are Too Many Rules

If a freight transportation company employ a string of rules and regulations that may make a truck driver feel boxed in, it could cause some frustration. Even though this is not one of the major reasons why truck drivers leave their jobs, feeling like their every move is being monitored and not having freedom of opinion and a bit of leeway might have them looking for other opportunities elsewhere. Ensure company policies are straightforward and do not interfere with your truck drivers’ responsibilities, and you should have a happy fleet.

#6 There is No Room to Grow

A lot of truck drivers want to explore other avenues within the freight transportation industry, and not necessarily be on the road for the rest of their lives, whereas others might be very happy to do so. One of the reasons why truck drivers resign is the fact that they could not advance in their careers at a certain company, and that it was not encouraged by management. Be sure you have some opportunities for those truck drivers who wish to grow with the company, whether they can be trainers or join the maintenance team, encouraging growth is important.

#7 Impossible Expectations

Some truck drivers leave their jobs due to the fact that they feel the freight transportation company they worked for did not have realistic expectations and set them up to fail. This can include expecting drivers to drive longer hours, drive vehicles they are not licensed to drive or loads they are not able to transport or even drive across the border when they do not have the necessary endorsements. In order for HR to prevent this from happening, make sure that the driver appointed has the necessary experience and documentation to get the job done.

#8 Mechanical and Maintenance Issues

When hiring a new truck driver, be sure to lay all your cards on the table and discuss what would be expected of them. Usually, it is expected that truck drivers know a bit about general maintenance and mechanical issues in order to ensure they are able to address any issues while on a delivery. However, if you expect your truck drivers to conduct general maintenance and other duties while not driving and supposed to be off, this should be discussed beforehand. A lot of truck drivers leave their jobs due to the fact that they are expected to do this in their own time, meaning they are not compensated for it.

#9 Dissatisfaction with Company Communications

Some truck drivers leave simply because there is no proper communication between dispatch and themselves, or even within the whole of the freight transportation company. This could lead to misunderstandings and also a feeling of not being part of the team, a real problem when it comes to half of the team not being on-site half or more of the time. Ensure you have proper communication policies in place and that everyone adheres to this.

#10 Truck Drivers are Not Included or Praised

A big reason for being dissatisfied with a job is not being acknowledged for the hard work you put in to ensure you do a great job. This is also one of the reasons why a lot of truck drivers leave their place of employment. Freight transportation companies should go the extra mile to show their truck drivers that they are valuable assets of the company – by way of including them in company events, publishing articles of stellar reviews, listening to their opinions and suggestions on how to improve general workflow.

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Keeping your truck drivers happy in their job is important and crucial to the success of any freight transportation company – a high truck driver turnaround is not only bad for companies, but also takes a lot of time and effort. Have a look at what the state of the industry was last year here. Ensure everyone is happy and committed to the company and you should be fine.

Interesting Need-to-Know Facts About Career and Salary if You Are Considering a Job as a Truck Driver

If you are considering to become a truck driver, it is best to do some research about the trade and industry beforehand. As you can imagine, being a truck driver requires a lot of compromise, stamina, and perseverance. You will be spending a lot of time away from home, depending on the type of job and driver you become. Some CDL jobs are local and won’t require you to travel long-haul trips, while a lot of the truck driving jobs out there do.

In this post, we will walk you through all the different facts about the job and the industry, so that you can make an informed decision before committing to the trade and discover that it really is not a great fit for you.

1. Early Risers and Long Hours

In most jobs, you will be required to get up real early, while in others the time of day does not really play a role. You will, however, be expected to be on the road for a certain amount of time in order for you to make your expected mileage. Depending on your preference and the needs of the specific job, you can either drive through the night or through the day.

2. Different Types of Payment

Depending on the freight transportation company you work for, you will either be paid an hourly rate or a rate based on mileage. Delivery CDL driver is not paid when they are not on the road or delivering cargo.

3. Expected Truck Driver Salary

Truck drivers are able to make a decent living, and as the need for more drivers increases over the years, so does the industry grow. In 2015, the average professional truck driver earned about $50,000 per annum. Not too shabby. Salary also depends on experience and may differ slightly from one freight transportation company to the next.

4. General Truck Driver’s Requirements

This will vary from one state to the other, so please ensure you have the correct information and visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles to inquire about your state’s requirements. In general, however, a CDL truck driver must have a valid CDL truck driving license and be 18 years of age or older. In order for you to obtain that license, you need to get your learners by completing the test, go for training (there are a lot of truck driver training schools in the US, and some freight transportation companies will train you in-house), and then complete the final test. You will also need to have a clear drug screening test as well as a clean driving record.

5. Annual Driving Distances

The majority of truck drivers are expected to drive an astonishing 2,500 miles a week, which translates to about 500 miles per day. The work is tough and the road is long and lonely. But, to the majority of truck drivers, this is not a problem as they enjoy being on the open road and discovering the country’s landscapes and towns.

6. Expected Working Hours

Truck drivers are required to work up to 70 hours per week – no more and no less. Once you have spent 70 hours on the job you are required by law to drive any further for that week. By law, you have to take a 34-hour break. This is just to ensure that everyone is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed while on the job, that everything is safe and the chances of accidents are minimized. Being a truck driver can put a lot of strain on someone, as you are required to concentrate on the road for hours on end. Taking breaks become vital for your health and sanity, and the safety of the general public.

7. Payment Perks and Facts

As mentioned before, some freight transportation companies will pay an hourly rate while others will pay per mile, but there are even differences between being ‘paid per mile’ and paid for ‘practical miles’. The former refers to payment based on the distance that is shown on the map, which in most cases are not a true reflection of the miles covered during your trip. The latter refers to being paid for each mile driven.

8. Room for Growth

If you should decide to become a truck driver, and you build up some experience, you are able to move around in the field and do different jobs within the industry. If you enjoy driving big vehicles, you can earn a bigger salary if you should decide on driving hazardous cargo or a bigger rig. You are even able to become a truck driver trainer and earn a higher salary. In some companies, employers can even offer you a certain percentage based on the delivery you make.

9. General Duties

Your duties will depend on your job and the freight transportation company you work for. In most cases, however, truck drivers are required to load and unload cargo, depending on the type of truck driving job you have. You will have to run multiple jobs a day, making different drop-offs and pick-ups. Depending on the job description, you may even have to make sure that the truck is functioning properly mechanically. In some cases, you may need to find the best route via a map, and ensure you get the goods at the delivery point on time and in one piece.

10. General Qualities of the Ideal Truck Driver

When freight transportation companies are scouting for the best candidate, they have a certain type of person in mind for the job, even though experience and licenses also count, the average truck driver must have certain qualities to be able to succeed in the job. These include punctuality, being responsible, having a good driving record, being up to speed with basic mechanics on rigs, and being able to communicate effectively to name but a few.

If you are thinking about starting a career as a truck driver, you should consider the points discussed above carefully, and do some more homework to ensure you are ready and that the job requirements and qualities suit you and vice versa. If you need some more information, have a look at this interesting article and infographic on truck driving here. If you do decide to join the trucker’s way of life, welcome aboard, and many safe travels!

Top 10 Tips on How to Become a Successful Truck Driver and Experience True Job Fulfillment

If you are starting out your career as a truck driver, and find yourself up in arms as to how you can advance in your career, you are not alone. Even those who are thinking about starting out a career as a professional truck driver might have their doubts with regard to the possibilities of growth and success. Life as a truck driver can be tough, especially when you are just starting out and trying to find your spot and reach your ultimate potential.

In this article, we take a look at some of the best tips to give struggling and new truck drivers out there to assist them with achieving their full potential and becoming the best OTR or CDL truck drivers they could be.

1. Keep a Clean Driving Record

If you would like to become a sought-after professional truck driver, you had better keep a clean driving record. Freight transportation companies are more likely to hire CDL truck drivers who don’t have a tainted record than those who are recurring road offenders. Doing so is quite simple, really. Just stick to the laws of the road and you should be fine. Keep your seatbelt on at all times while driving, never text and drive, don’t even try to drive under the influence, and stick to the speed limit.

2. A Successful Truck Driver is One Who Drives Safely

This tip goes hand-in-hand with the first one – safety should always come first and follows abiding by road laws. Protecting yourself means being alert and an assertive driver who respects other drivers but are also aware of those who are not driving well and could cause accidents. When driving safely, you are showing that you care about your job, your family, and other road users. Have a look at this infographic with interesting facts with regards to road safety.

3.Meet Deadlines and Deliver the Goods

A timely truck driver is a successful one. Stick to your itinerary and schedule and go out of your way to make your deliveries on time. We are not saying endanger everyone by speeding or driving recklessly. Your schedule should leave plenty of time and you should be able to deliver on time, but don’t get sidetracked and make unnecessary stops unless it is an emergency. Stick to the Hours of Serviceand you should be fine – remember, if you are observed as a responsible truck driver who delivers on time, you are more likely to get fantastic references from fleet managers and freight transportation companies.

4. Keep Stress Levels Low

Stress can cause a lot of strain and pressure when at work, even more so for truck drivers who work hard and spend long hours driving. When you allow stress to influence your work, it could have a ripple effect and may influence your driving ability. In order for you to keep your head in the game, try to lead a balanced life while working, by getting some exercise, practicing a hobby, and following a healthy diet.

5. Give it Your All and Work Hard

By showing your employers, you are willing to put in the hours and go the extra mile, pun intended, will pave the way for your future endeavors. If you show your team that you are there to work and put in extra effort, you are bound to make a good impression and be a successful truck driver. As with anything in life, you receive what you give, if you do something half-heartedly, you will have a much harder time at work and won’t reap the rewards of giving it your all.

6. Be Willing and Available

Even though it might be difficult for those with young families, being able to take on extra work and more loads when the fleet manager needs someone urgently, you are more than likely going to achieve success early on – those with a ‘can do’ attitude will always be successful. Sometimes it is worth making compromises and putting everything in while you are building your experience and name in the industry, later on, you and your family will benefit from it.

7. Get the Necessary Paperwork

A successful truck driver will always ensure that they have the necessary paperwork including licenses to do the job on hand legally and efficiently. If you need extra endorsements, go out and get it. If you need any extra training to excel at your job, complete it.

8. Broaden Your Horizons Within the Company

Show interest in other departments at the company you are employed at. Learn everything you can about different departments and how the company works, get to know your colleagues and you’re your superiors that you are willing and able to grow along with the company in all the departments. This will not only aid in becoming a successful truck driver but also teach you different aspects of the industry and prepare you for anything that you may come to face in the lifespan of your truck driving career.

9. Respect and Trust Your Team

Do your best to bond with and nurture friendships with the people you work with. Treat them with the same level of respect that you want them to treat you. Even though it is said that a lot of truck drivers don’t get along with their dispatch team or fleet managers, you should try your best to maintain healthy relationships with everyone who works with you. Not only will this ensure a healthy workplace environment and atmosphere, but it will also show others that you are professional.

10.Empower Yourself with Knowledge

Even though this is not always a requirement for truck driving positions, you should aim to build up enough knowledge with regards to truck maintenance and mechanics. This will give you that extra edge when applying for jobs, and you also won’t have to worry about running into a problem while on the job and being stranded and relying on a mechanic who is miles away and trying to explain to you how to fix something you could have done within a couple of minutes yourself.

It is not an easy job, but it does pay off. If you set your goals and keep at it, you should be a successful truck driver within no-time. Remember to always make time for family when you are not on the road and have some precious time off at home. All the best to you in your goal to become a successful truck driver.